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Sebastian and Arielle exchanged another glance. “Yes,” they said at the same time.

“Let’s construct a syllogism then. Cullen is a guardian, and you clearly trust him. Cullen and I have formed a mate bond, and he trusts me. Therefore, you can also trust me. I mean you no harm.” A flash of golden light enveloped him for a moment, and he nodded, because it was a sacred vow, and the magic in this world was acknowledging him.

They both sighed, and Arielle’s shoulders relaxed. “I had to know.”

“I understand. Everyone you care about is here. Now, about this grove.”

“Tell me about the glade first,” Sebastian said.

“How about we trade facts? I’ll tell you one thing, you tell me one.”

He got a searching look from each that was so identical it almost made him laugh.

“Okay.”

“So, I wasn’t born in the Glade, but that was where I was taken to be raised.” He stared. Waiting.

Sebastian sighed and waved a hand. “Well, Cade is the one who went to get Penny there, and we’ve never seen it, but?—”

“But it’s like a place that’s out of time and space with here,” Arielle finished.

He frowned, going back to chopping. “So it’s like a magical space?”

“This whole world is a magical space.”

“Sebby! Him next,” Arielle snapped.

“Okay.” He chuckled. “Ask me something.”

“Who are your parents?” Arielle asked.

“My birth parents are unicorns. They live in another dimension. I don’t see them much.”

“Oh.” Now the kids both looked guilty. “I’m sorry.”

He shrugged. “I can get there when I need to.” He handed the pot to a surprised Sebby. “Can you cover all the veg with water, please, and put it on the stove?”

“Sure.” Sebby dutifully filled the water.

“Now.” He tossed a wink at Seth. “Yeast?”

“I’ll show you the baking cabinet.”

“You make up your brownies if you want the oven first. I’ll make bread and cinnamon rolls, but they’ll both have to rise.”

“Sounds good.” Seth got to work after showing him the big Hoosier cabinet that held all the baking supplies. They even had an amazing sourdough starter.

How’s it going back there, baby?he asked Cullen.

Good now. You baking?

I am. And being interrogated.

Ah welcome to my world.Cullen’s mental laughter made him smile.

“Are you talking to Cullen?” Sebby asked, his curious tone respectful, at least.

“I am.”